By Madison Rubino
La Verne Athletics Communication
LA VERNE, Calif. — The University of La Verne's women's soccer team played well against a very good Cal Lutheran team but couldn't find the goal and lost, 2-0, Wednesday night at Ortmayer Stadium.
La Verne falls to 2-7-0 overall and 1-4-0 in the SCIAC. Cal Lutheran improves to 8-1-1 and 3-1-1. The Regals were nationally ranked at one point, polling as high as 21st in the National Soccer Coaches Association of America poll.
The game winner came off an own goal. Cal Lutheran's Riley Martin put in a cross from the left wing, but in an attempt to clear the ball, Alina Cobian inadvertently deflected the ball into the net to give the Regals a 1-0 lead in the 24th minute.
Cal Lutheran added an insurance goal in the 60th minute when Kali Youngdahl headed in the goal off a free kick from Olivia Leyva.
With the Leopards trailing, head coach Lauryn Pehanich pushed Cambria Smith, La Verne's best all-around athlete and a defensive stalwart, up top hoping she could make something happen. Smith made some good runs but couldn't win the race against the clock.
The Regals had chances to extend the lead but Leopards goalkeeper Heather Seman came up with a handful of acrobatic saves to keep the Leopards in the game. Seman lead the team defensively with nine saves.
La Verne's best chance to put themselves back in the mix came in the 68th minute. Juna Bouchekara drilled a sharp free kick from about 30 yards out but Cal Lutheran goalkeeper Coral Hasley punched it away.
Alexa Smith, Bouchekara, Hannah Leone punched in five total shot attempts for the Leopards.
La Verne will return to action Saturday, October 1 against Chapman at 7:00 pm.
